History, War, and Film

Description

Cinema is a powerful medium for the interpretation of the past. Some film biographies, period pieces, and documentaries have provided us with insightful information about human history; others have distorted issues or served as propaganda. This course will study the challenges and promises of film as historical artifact by focusing on cinematic representations of war (from the First and Second World Wars, to post-war colonial struggles). The objective is to introduce students to film as historical documents and to help them acquire specific critical tools for incorporation into the study of history.

Availability

Not currently available.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. acquire elements of 'visual literacy' so that students can analyse history films critically

4. understand the historical value of film as a site of cultural expression and conflict with the potential to influence cultural change

5. show an awareness of the contested nature of historical representation

6. show an ability to engage in historical debates

7. display an ability to conduct research independently

8. display an ability to express clear and informed arguments, either orally or in writing

Content

This course will focus on societies at war in the modern era and representations of those societies through the medium of the film. It will offer an in-depth, semester long study of various twentieth century conflicts which may include the First and Second World Wars (man in combat, occupation, resistance, collaboration, race, the Holocaust), post-war colonial struggles (focusing on Algeria and Vietnam), and ethnic conflicts in contemporary Europe (focusing on Yugoslavia).

Replacing Course(s)

This course replaces the following course(s): HIST3030. Students who have successfully completed HIST3030 are not eligible to enrol in HIST2031.

Requisite

This course replaces HIST3030. If you have successfully completed HIST3030 you cannot enrol in this course.

Assumed Knowledge

There is no assumed knowledge in either history or film although it is preferred that students have done at least 10 units at first year level.